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ToxoplasmosisADVICE FOR OWNERS
What is toxoplasmosis?Toxoplasma gondii is a tiny parasite which is adapted to complete its normal ‘life cycle’ in cats. This means that it can survive and reproduce, using the cat as a host. Almost any other mammal can also become infected with toxoplasma, although the parasite is not able to complete the life cycle and reproduce. Infection with toxoplasma in either cats or humans is called toxoplasmosis.
How is toxoplasma spread?Cats are infected with toxoplasma by ingesting eggs (oocysts) which are shed in other cats’ faeces and can survive in the environment. They can also be infected by eating uncooked meat from an animal which has been infected with toxoplasma.
Humans can be infected from contact with cat faeces but more commonly from eating undercooked meat. More rarely, the infection can also be passed on by ingesting contaminated water or fruit and vegetables washed with contaminated water.
Who is at risk?All cats and humans are at risk from being infected. In some developed counties up to 80% of the human population has been exposed, however, not every person infected with toxoplasmawill become ill. This is more likely in people who do not have a fully functioning immune system such as young children, elderly people, those with cancer, on immunosuppressive medication or with HIV. These groups of people are more likely todevelop signs of infection. Pregnant women can also pass the infection onto their unborn child, and are therefore at risk. Cats with another illness or disease are more likely to develop signs associated with an infection. A queen (female cat which has not been speyed) can also pass the infection onto unborn kittens.
What are the signs of toxoplasma infection?Generally, healthy humans will have only mild signs if they become infected with toxoplasma (fever or flu-like symptoms). If someone who is more at risk gets infected, they can develop more serious and even life-threatening signs such as:
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or other neurological problems• Abortion, stillbirth, birth defects (including mental retardation)• Eye problems
There is only a risk to an unborn foetus if the mother is infected whilst pregnant, an existing infection will not cause abortion, stillbirth or birth defects.
Cats can develop a wide variety of signs depending on where the infection is located. As in humans, healthy cats will generally develop minimal signs but more severe disease can develop:
• Vague, flu-like signs• Neurological signs such as tremors or seizures• Pneumonia • Eye problems• Liver disease with jaundice• More rarely: vomiting and diarrhoea; muscle pain; enlarged lymph nodes (glands)
How is toxoplasma infection diagnosed and treated?Toxoplasmosis can be hard to diagnose as the parasite is difficult to find. Most commonly (in both cats and humans), a blood test is taken to check for antibodies to the parasite. If there is concern about infection in the spinal cord, brain or during pregnancy then either spinal fluid or fluid from the fluid sac around the foetus can be taken and tested. If you are concerned about your own health, please consult your doctor. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your cat.
Most people will not need treatment if they are infected with toxoplasma. If an infection develops in someone at risk (pregnant, very young or elderly), then treatment normally consists of an antibiotic along with an anti-parasitic drug. Cats are often treated in a similar manner.
How is toxoplasma infection prevented?• Pregnant women should avoid cleaning out cat’s litter trays if possible. • Trays should be emptied daily as toxoplasma needs some time in the environment to become infectious. • Gloves should be worn when cleaning out the litter tray and the tray should be cleaned regularly with warm water and disinfectant. • Fruit and vegetables should be washed before eating. • All meat should be properly cooked to kill any toxoplasma oocysts which may be present. Freezing meat for 3 days will also kill any toxoplasma. • Children’s sandpits should be covered when not being used to prevent cats using them as a litter tray. • Gloves should be worn when gardening as oocysts may be present in soil
Remember!• Toxoplasmosis is very common in both people and cats, although there are usually few signs of infection.• In those with an undeveloped or weak immune system (eg. elderly, young, those with cancer) there is a risk of developing more serious signs, which can be fatal. • Prevention of infection relies on good hygiene with cat litter trays and cooking all meat thoroughly. • Ask your doctor or vet if you have any concerns.
Questions for my veterinarian:
Toxoplasmosis
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Small Animal HospitalSchool of Veterinary Medicine University of Glasgow Bearsden RoadGlasgowG61 1QH
The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401
